We Christians acknowledge that Satan rules the world's culture. It is his influence that is causing strife, immorality, and the devaluing of life. In 2 Corinthians 4: 4, he is even referred to as the (small "g") god of this world that blindfolds the minds of unbelievers to the light of the gospel.
He has had and exercised world dominion ever since it was turned over to him by Adam when Adam sinned. This is evident in Luke 4: 6 when Satan takes Jesus to a high mountain. He shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and says to Jesus, "I will give you all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if you worship me, it shall all be yours."
Jesus didn't question Satan's authority. In fact, in John 14: 30, Jesus calls him the ruler of this world. Satan remains so, but his stewardship is no longer legal.
That designation was taken from him at the cross. Jesus' blood bought back the world. The title transfer was declared in Rev. 12: 10. A loud heavenly voice said, "Now (referring to the cross) the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come"
Not only was the world taken back from Satan, but the cross took away all his power. In Hebrew 2: 14, it says in so many words, that because Jesus was flesh and blood, having the same nature that we have; His death for us all rendered Satan powerless. Though this passage speaks of Jesus and His believers' victory over death, it can also be speaking of victory from enslavement in all the affairs of this life.
So how is it that Satan, being neutralized, can still have such powerful sway over this world? It's because of the same reason he first gained power. In other words, the world is fooled and hands the power over to Satan.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians do the same. They don't claim their new birthright. Therefore, they still act defeated. The reality, though, is that in Christ Jesus, Christians have authority over Satan and his minions.
In the name of Jesus, with us in His word and His word in us, all of Satan's strongholds and high imaginations can be torn down. His attempts to frighten or intimidate us with lies and occult tricks can't hold up when confronted with the Living Word manifested through us.
In Christ Jesus, Christians have victory over this world. Submit to God, it is written, and the powerless devil will flee. For he knows he is a defeated foe before a child of God.
Gregory John Monroe is the author of the controversial book, The Three Angels' Message: God's End-Time Warning. It biblically proves Sunday is not the Lord's Day. Greg also writes his thoughts and teachings on the Christian life in general at http://www.tinyurl.com/6tgl5yj
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